Jeff Emmerson - Beyond ADHD: Overcoming the Label and Thriving

Beyond ADHD

ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD

Lanham Boulder New York London

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Emmerson, Jeff, author. | Yehling, Robert, author.

Title: Beyond ADHD : overcoming the label and thriving / Jeff Emmerson and Robert Yehling.

Other titles: Beyond attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Description: Lanham : Rowman & Littlefield, [2017] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017000124 (print) | LCCN 2017005620 (ebook) | ISBN 9781442275102 (cloth : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781442275119 (electronic)

Subjects: LCSH: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorderAlternative treatment. | Behavior modification.

Classification: LCC F3101.4.B33 C47 2015 | DDC 320.0820983dc23 LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015034023

TM The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

Printed in the United States of America

I want to thank the following people for helping me turn my dream into reality, making Beyond ADHD come to life:

To Robert Yehling, my co-author and friend of five years, who worked tirelessly and polished my story and the rest of the writing into something to be incredibly proud of. I simply wouldnt be where I am today without you, Bob. I also appreciate all the time youve taken to hear my thoughts and teach me the ropes when it comes to the publishing world (and beyond). Bob has now written about autism, Asperger syndrome, and ADHD; his dedication to neuroscience and mental health and fitness is pretty obvious.

To Dana Newman, my agent. I am incredibly fortunate to have you with us, and Ill forever be grateful for your faith in my vision. Thank you for your efforts in finding a book deal for Beyond ADHD. Thank you just as much for your kindness and support throughout this journey. Big things ahead! Your guidance has been instrumental. Thank you for caring about mental health like you do.

To everyone at Rowman & Littlefield, especially Suzanne Staszak Silva, who wanted Beyond ADHD to come to life, and pitched it to her team. You changed my life with that decision. Ill never forget that.

A hearty thank you to everyone who contributed to this book! Your help has been crucial in opening eyes across the world through raising life-changing awareness around these symptoms and the bigger picture as well. Special thanks to those who directly helped us along the way with their insights, interviews, and comments: Dr. Marianne Kuzujanakis, Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, Dr. Andres De Los Rosas, Dr. Tim Royer, Dr. Patrick Quaid, and Erica Damatto.Thanks also to certified functional medicine coach Karin Yehling for assisting in the fact-checking on the material pertaining to functional medicine.

Thank you to Everyday Health, Additudemag, AOL Health, and other online publications that helped me build a name for myself and raise empowering awareness in this world. I never forget who helped along the way.

To Jane Friedmanthank you for introducing me to Dave Malone. Our interactions and time together played an important role early on in the concept of this book coming to life. Cheers to both of you! Thank you, Dave! Im very glad our paths crossed.

To the United Way of Guelph, Ontario, Canadathank you for helping me to afford therapy sessions when I was unemployed and struggling. Im speechless other than to say thank you for all that you do for the community!

To the Honorable David G. Carr, the judge who sentenced me in a Kitchener, Ontario, Canada courtroom on November 8, 2000. Though your ruling broke my heart, it also lit a fire within me that became a freight train of its ownone Im incredibly grateful for in hindsight. You did the right thing, I now realize. Thank you, and I aim to personally hand you a copy of this book (if Im allowed to do so).

To Kevin McIntyre (my former probation officer)I hope youll actually get to read this, wherever you are. I will definitely leave a copy at the probation and parole branch as a thank you for all that probation officers like yourself do. You are truly unsung heroes doing Gods work with the resources youre given. I wont ever forget you, Kevin. You saw potential in me when I felt horrible about myself. For that Im eternally grateful, and I aim to pay it forward.

To Rebekah Labelle (Waterloo Regional Police Service)Thank you for your help and kindness as I worked hard to pursue my goals from the past. I had a lot to learn, but you were always kind. Thank you for your help and a listening ear when I really needed it.

To my grade 9 and 11 (I think) English teacher, Jim Majerthank you for being the single best teacher I remember. You often threw me out of class for goofing off, but you and I had an unspoken connection that transcends time. You always got it. Thank you for sending me out to ponder life on my own terms. I learned so much more by walking the streets and working things out in my head than being in class, frankly. What a lesson. P.S.Thank you for always having the soul-provoking music of Enya playing in the background during class! Genius move. Thank you for being human as well, and swearing when necessary. That showed me that you dont have to be perfect and play a holier than thou fake role to be successful. Authenticity: check!

To the John Howard Society of Kitchener-Waterloothank you for your teenage and adult diversionary programs such as anger management and restitution. As a former client, Im grateful for the seeds these programs planted in me, even though Im a late bloomer of sorts. Yet againbetter later than never.

To the adult mental health unit at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario, Canadathank you for helping me help myself after committing myself in early 2013. Seeing my deceased brother Ryans former room haunted me, but meeting Rick Lauzon (a former high school classmate) was both humbling and wonderfully empowering at the same time. Thank you to the staff who kept an eye on me and were kind to me. I look forward to returning with a copy or two of Beyond ADHD as a thank you and a reminder that you do make a difference.

To my friends (both old and new) on Twitter and other social media channelsthank you for reading, watching, listening to, and interacting with me over the last few years. Wow, what a powerful experience its been to share with you, learn from you, and raise such crucial awareness and empowerment together. Building my platform has been a godsend, and you play a big role in all of it! If I wasnt doing this, Id be in trouble, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me spread the word in the hope that others will be helped.